Desmond pulls complaint against Mooseheads

By THE CHRONICLE HERALDPublished November 2, 2012 - 4:12am Last Updated November 2, 2012 - 5:53am

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Former Halifax Moosehead Josh Desmond has withdrawn his complaint with Nova Scotia's Labour Department seeking unpaid wages from the team.

Josh Desmond has withdrawn his complaint seeking unpaid wages from the Halifax Mooseheads that he filed last week with the provincial Labour Department.

The 19-year-old Musquodoboit Harbour defenceman had taken the action after getting advice from the fledgling Canadian Hockey League Players’ Association.

Desmond contacted The Chronicle Herald on Thursday and issued this statement:

“Since it was announced that I, with the guidance of the CHLPA, made a labour standards complaint, things have been very difficult for both me and my family. Therefore, I wish to address a number of issues publicly.

“I feel privileged to have played with the Halifax Mooseheads and it was never my intention to demean the organization, coaches and my former teammates in any way.

“My primary concern was not with wages but with the loss of my scholarship money, simply because I did not play the required amount of games in the QMJHL in my 19th year. I was not aware of this condition, nor other preconditions in the scholarship program, when I signed my contract, nor are many other Q players.

“After discussions with the CHLPA, it was my hope that this could be remedied and it was felt that my complaint would assist in the process. Unfortunately, the negative publicity and comments generated by my complaint have been very disturbing. I do not wish any further upset to my family. I do not wish this issue to be a distraction to the coaching staff and teammates of my current team, the Yarmouth junior A Mariners, who have been very understanding and supportive, nor to my former teammates of the Halifax Mooseheads.

“As this is not what I intended and I wish no further upset to all concerned, I have withdrawn my labour standards complaint.

“However, I hope that the QMJHL and their teams take this opportunity to review the educational packages for the benefit of the players, teams and the league.”